Virgin Voyages launched its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, on September 5, 2025, with a maiden voyage from New York.
The vessel draws inspiration from the “four corners of her new itineraries,” including New York's dynamism, Miami's Latin fire, Los Angeles' glamour and Alaska's adventurous spirit.
The ship’s design centers on creating spaces where strangers become friends and quiet moments evolve into cherished memories.
"Brilliant Lady's transformation is our love letter to the social soul of travel, designed to spark conversations, encourage lingering and celebrate the beautiful unpredictability of human connection," says Erin Barton, Director of Design at Virgin Voyages.
At the heart of the vessel lies The Roundabout, featuring deep navy banquettes and jewel-toned seating arranged in intimate conversation clusters. Warm wood accents create a lived-in atmosphere, while a hidden compass illuminates in soothing blues and purples, paying homage to Alaska's twilight magic.
The Draught Haus has evolved beyond its craft beer origins into an all-day social hub. The space now offers barista-made coffees, cocktails on tap, wine and bubbles alongside its thoughtful craft brew selection, creating a gathering place where friendships develop as naturally as the drinks themselves.
The Athletic Club underwent a dramatic transformation from other Lady Ships with the removal of an entire wall to create an uninterrupted glass canvas facing the stern. Circular daybeds positioned outward allow guests to witness glacier calving together, spot whales and watch Northern Lights while wrapped in cozy throws. Cheerful fuchsia accents complement Virgin's signature red, while new mesh sail canopies provide gentle shade for golden-hour gatherings.
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle celebrates Spain's convivial culture with terracotta and crimson hues, creating warmth throughout the space. Custom line artwork adorns the walls, while a dedicated lounge area features tapas-style sharing plates and intimate seating clusters designed for those magical evenings where dinner becomes an event and new friendships are born.
Even the Sea Terrace balconies reflect the connection-focused design philosophy. The smaller balconies now feature two red hammock chairs instead of one, recognizing that the best views are meant to be shared.
Brilliant Lady's Alaska itineraries celebrate discovery with fellow explorers, from Glacier Bay's quiet moments to Juneau's vibrant local culture. The ship represents Virgin Voyages' belief that travel should be fundamentally social, joyfully human and thoughtfully designed for moments that matter most.
Brilliant Lady is designed to showcase Virgin Voyages' belief that travel should be social, joyful and thoughtful, with a ship that allows for the moments that matter most. Every space invites interaction, every detail encourages exploration and every experience celebrates the beautiful unpredictability of bringing curious people together in extraordinary places.
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